Vehicle thief shot dead

JAKARTA (JP): An alleged motorcycle thief has been shot dead by a police patrol in West Jakarta, City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday.

He said the suspect, identified as Siog bin Karyo, 32, allegedly stole a motorcycle belonging to Powing Cie Kiu, 30, of Jl. Al Jihad in Jembatan Besi on Wednesday.

"The motorcycle was parked in the owner's front yard. The suspect opened the gate and tried to start the motorcycle with a modified key," said Aritonang.

He said Powing came out of the house to find out what was happening, but the suspect already had the motorcycle on the street.

"The victim ran after the suspect, shouting 'thief' until he spotted a police patrol car passing nearby."

The police traced the motorcycle and the thief after receiving information from Powing.

They spotted Siog not far from the scene and demanded he surrender.

Aritonang said the officers were forced to shoot Siog because he ignored the warning shot. Siog died on the way to the hospital. (cst)